Just bought a 2001 Silverado, First problem I'm having is the ignition switch is very hard to turn. You have to jiggle and jiggle and finally it will go. I ...

Just bought a 2001 Silverado, First problem I'm having is the ignition switch is very hard to turn. You have to jiggle and jiggle and finally it will go. I haven't been able to determine any particular movement or pressing or not pressing that makes it go, I tried turning the wheel (that worked on another car I had). I tried both keys that I got with the truck.

slammer wrote:Just bought a 2001 Silverado, First problem I'm having is the ignition switch is very hard to turn. You have to jiggle and jiggle and finally it will go. I haven't been able to determine any particular movement or pressing or not pressing that makes it go, I tried turning the wheel (that worked on another car I had). I tried both keys that I got with the truck.

any idea for a solution?

I wonder how you made out with this? I also just bought a 2001 Silverado with the same trouble.

Actually I have discovered that the key works well one direction but not the other. So I cut a notch in the key to tell me what direction to use and I've had no significant problems.

I also noted that when I first got the Truck the passenger door would not unlock with the key. I kept trying it and finally it worked and I haven't had a problem since. I believe they mechanism had gotten out of whack because the key had been attempted forward and backward. The unlock move is to turn it counter clockwise. If I do that every time It seems to say in sync.

I've tried mine every which way. I had a copy made at the GM dealership and it seems slightly worse than the original key. I will make a note though, to see if it tends to work more often on a particular side. Both keys have no trouble at all with the doors.

I had an '07 classic that was like this, it didn't matter how much I jiggled or pushed the key in, or pulled out just a little,it just didn't want to turn. In my case I finally learned that all I had to do was tug down on the key a little and it worked perfectly. After a while I just got used to it and did it without even thinking about it.

Joe

P. S. mine was an original key.

'' The A/C just needs a charge! '' and a compressor......and a condenser.....

I wish I could note a particular position or method - it's just so random when it does finally turn. I'll try tugging down on the key. I'll probably end up needing to get the switch replaced. Have no idea if it's separate from the electrical switch, or what kind of job it would be. I'll then likely need to have separate keys for the ignition and doors. Not a big deal, I think my very first car, a '67 Chevy Caprice had 2 keys.

I believe the lock cylinder is separate from the actual ignition switch, and you shouldn't need to have two different keys, if you go to a dealer I think they will key the new lock cylinder to match your existing key. Of course this means you gotta pay big gm bucks vs buying online for much less

Joe

'' The A/C just needs a charge! '' and a compressor......and a condenser.....

Discuss the cabin of your Silverado or Sierra truck. Topics in this area contain discussion of door panels and headliners or the dash and carpet, trim, and seats. Talk about your center console, seats, door handles, upholstery, steering wheels or any other item in the cab of your pickup.